The Master: Part 3

Once again, more Goldsmith. How could I not. So many good scores, from so many different genres.

Today’s theme would be genre variety I guess. In a way, they all are since he created music for war films, horror, comedies, action or adventure. But today’s examples are mostly from smaller titles.

It is easy to forget the music for many of those (Or even the films themselves) But they are the kind of music that once discovered, one enjoys listening to over and over.

Wikipedia / IMDB


Relevant website

Jerry Goldsmith’s Online

Beautiful online tribute and resource center for the famed composer


A Few more favorites

Lionheart
Occasionally, director and composer enjoy a specific relation that brings the best music works to light. Spielberg and Williams is always a perfect example. In Goldsmith case, is his work with director Franklin J. Schaffner (Planet of the Apes, Islands in the Stream, Patton).
This is a perfect example of a smaller title with a fantastic score to it.Originally there were 2 volumes sold separately with music. They were then condensed in the more widely available version today. But unfortunately not all the music is there.
Track: The Banner

Matinee
Director Joe Dante used Goldsmith also in most of his films (Gremlins, The Burbs, Innerspace). This was definitely a smaller title, filled with sentimentality, and a certain comedic tone. Very enjoyable.
Track: Coming Attraction

The Russia House
A magnificent example of Goldsmith craft, mixing a jazz theme, with some nervous strings for the action. Unfortunately, the released CD contained most of the basic love them, foregoing the more incidental action score. So it may sound repetitive. But it is still one of his most beautiful themes.
Track: Katya

Congo
Another “tribal” experiment, born out of the success of Jurassic park. Goldsmith correctly creates an entertaining action score, mixed with some more ethnic sounds.
Track: Gates of Zinj

The Sand Pebbles
A landmark title for the composer, arguably his biggest at the time, was unreleased for years. Varese Sarabande records resurrected it in his Limited Club releases a few years ago, restoring almost all the music. A true gem for any music lover in this classic score.
Track: Overture


Collectors corner, Must-Have & Small Gems

As the section indicates, here I’ll try to name 3 scores; the first, a difficult to find title, the second, is pretty much given, and the third, is a score that you may not think about that often (mainly due to the quality of the film), but it’s a surprising find.

Collector’s corner: Night Crossing – Jerry Goldsmith
A largely forgotten Cold War drama based on the true story about two families that escaped East Germany into West Germany in 1979. Here Goldsmith provided one of his most thrilling and tense scores. And for Disney movie no less!!!
Track: Final Flight

Must-Have: Hoosiers – Jerry Goldsmith
One of the most inspirational sport movies ever, boasts what many consider the best score for the genre. It’s no surprise that the same team later created another memorable turn with “Rudy”
Track: The Pivot

Small Gems: Small Soldiers – Jerry Goldsmith
Almost a parody of his own scores (Patton’s theme can be heard throughout the film), it is still a zany great example of how mischievous film music can be.A very short original release, there are plenty of expanded bootleg copies out there (Even the orchestra recording sessions have made it to the internet)
Track: Roll Call


Trivia
By my count, Goldsmith was nominated for 18 Academy Awards, 7 Emmys, 6 Grammys and 9 Golden Globes